Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Morris, Minnesota
70.5% Acceptance Rate
University of Minnesota-Morris — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
70.5%Acceptance Rate
3.54Avg GPA
1145Avg SAT
$25,816Annual Cost
$50,919Grad Salary
30.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
70.5%
Avg GPA
3.54
Avg SAT
1145
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1105–1175
Avg Net Price
$9,110
Need-Based Aid
30.8% receive Pell
University of Minnesota-Morris is a public liberal arts college within the University of Minnesota system, known for its small class sizes, rigorous curriculum, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Offering an elite, high-value education in a supportive campus environment, the college fosters close student-faculty collaboration and critical inquiry. Its focus on intellectual engagement, research, and leadership development makes it a premier choice for students seeking a challenging and transformative liberal arts education.
University of Minnesota-Morris Acceptance Rate
University of Minnesota-Morris is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Minnesota-Morris is 70.5%. This means that 71 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 70.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.09
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of Minnesota-Morris GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Minnesota-Morris is 3.54. University of Minnesota-Morris is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.74-3.94 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.24 and 3.54, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of Minnesota-Morris GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of Minnesota-Morris utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.54, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.14 – 3.33
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.13
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate ~75% (2024-25); public liberal arts college within the U of M system; ranked top 10 among national public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News 2025; August 15 application deadline (confirm annually).
- American Indian Tuition Waiver is legally mandated by the 1909 federal land transfer - covers full tuition for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, Alaskan Native Villages, or Canadian First Nations (and qualifying descendants), with no Minnesota residency requirement.
- Campus is carbon-neutral with on-campus wind turbines; ranked #1 in the US for renewable electricity generated per FTE student (Environment America, 2019) - sustainability is an active research and curricular focus, not just a facilities feature.
- Prairie Scholars Award covers full tuition (renewable for 4 years with 2.5 GPA); Morris Scholars Award is a separate partial-tuition competitive scholarship - both require completion of the Community of Scholars invitation process after admission.
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Minnesota-Morris, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Minnesota-Morris
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Minnesota-Morris's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Minnesota-Morris Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into University of Minnesota-Morris Without SAT or ACT?
University of Minnesota-Morris does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
University of Minnesota-Morris Average SAT Score: 1145
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Minnesota-Morris is 1145 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1145 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1145 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1175 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Minnesota-Morris allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1105, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Minnesota-Morris. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1145 | 1105 | 1175 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1105 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Minnesota-Morris and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1175 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into University of Minnesota-Morris with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Minnesota-Morris are good but the admission staff at University of Minnesota-Morris tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Minnesota-Morris
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Minnesota-Morris is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Understand What "Public Liberal Arts College" Actually Means Here - and Why It Matters for Your Application
UMN Morris is one of fewer than 30 public liberal arts colleges in the United States, and it sits within the University of Minnesota system - meaning students get small liberal arts class sizes (roughly 1,100 undergrads), a residential campus culture, and research access through the broader U of M network, all at a significantly lower cost than private liberal arts peers. U.S. News ranks it among the top 10 public liberal arts colleges nationally. Your application should articulate why you specifically want a public liberal arts education - not just a small school, and not just a state school - and what it is about Morris's particular combination of these qualities that fits your plan.
American Indian Students: Know the Tuition Waiver Is a Legal Mandate, Not a Program That Can Be Cut
The American Indian Tuition Waiver at Morris is rooted in the deed transfer of the original campus from the federal government to the State of Minnesota in 1909, following the closure of the Morris Industrial School for Indians. The condition - that American Indian students shall always be admitted free of tuition - has the force of federal law and state statute. Eligible students include enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, Alaskan Native Villages, or Canadian First Nations, as well as direct descendants. Applicants do not need to be Minnesota residents. This is one of the most significant Indigenous tuition programs in the country and is categorically different from scholarship programs that require annual renewal or can be subject to budget cuts.
Apply for the Prairie Scholars Program - It's Full Tuition and the Competition Is Winnable
UMN Morris offers the Prairie Scholars Award, which covers full tuition and is renewable for up to four years with a 2.5 GPA. Eligible admitted students are invited into the Community of Scholars process, which involves an additional application and likely an interview. The Morris Scholars Award is a separate, partial-tuition competitive scholarship. At an institution this size, with a yield rate around 10%, the scholarship competition is less intense than at comparable private liberal arts schools - high-achieving students who might be borderline for merit aid at a Carleton or Macalester are genuinely competitive for full-tuition awards at Morris.
Engage the Sustainability and Indigenous Studies Strengths in Your Application Essay
Morris is carbon-neutral, with on-campus wind turbines and a biomass gasification plant - it was ranked #1 in the US for renewable electricity generated per student by Environment America in 2019. The campus is also a federally designated Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution, with over 10% of students identifying as Native American. These aren't marketing talking points: they're woven into the academic culture, research opportunities, and community identity. Students interested in environmental science, Indigenous studies, food systems, or sustainability should make direct connections to specific Morris programs and not just describe these as general interests they hope to pursue somewhere.
Expert Insight:
The single largest application failure at UMN Morris is treating it as a consolation alternative to the Twin Cities flagship, without engaging what actually makes Morris its own place. Application essays that describe wanting a "smaller version" of the U of M, or that focus on Minneapolis amenities, or that don't demonstrate any awareness of the boarding school history, the carbon-neutral campus, or the Native American-Serving designation tend to read as misdirected. Morris and UMN Twin Cities have separate admissions processes and completely different academic cultures; an application calibrated for one will not serve the other well.
University of Minnesota-Morris Profile
Full Name
University of Minnesota-Morris
City
Morris
State
Minnesota
ZIP Code
56267
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Minnesota-Morris Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Minnesota-Morris can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Minnesota-Morris offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Minnesota-Morris is $63,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.02%.
How much does a degree from University of Minnesota-Morris Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Minnesota-Morris is $25,816. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Minnesota-Morris is $9,110.
30.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 38.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Minnesota-Morris and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Minnesota-Morris, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Minnesota-Morris as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Minnesota-Morris Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $50,919. An average University of Minnesota-Morris graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Minnesota-Morris. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | 1100 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Minnesota-Morris. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Minnesota-Morris. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at University of Minnesota-Morris
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Minnesota-Morris →
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Minnesota-Morris Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $50,919 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25,816 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
30.8% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of University of Minnesota-Morris is 70.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.54. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.24, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.24, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.14 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.54, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Minnesota-Morris is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1145 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1105–1175.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.